What do you give to someone who has everything they need? Why were we buying for the sake of buying?
Seven years ago our family made the decision to pool our money spent on the adults and give it to a good cause.
The first year, I was living in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and volunteering at the Omoa Girls Home. There were eighteen, some orphans, who lived at this home. At that time, Lifeline Christian Mission had recently taken possession of this home and it was a very sad place.
With our Christmas money, we bought gifts for each girl and threw them a Christmas party. It was one of the most joyous Christmas celebrations I have ever had. My eyes are growing older and have lost the wonder and sparkle of Christmas morning. Yet, the eyes and faces of the girls burned images in my soul to carry me for years to come.
Their faces lit up as they opened dolls, toiletries, clothes and other goodies. One memory was a little three year old who chose an apple before any of the gifts. Apples were special and rarely did one have the money to buy such imported delicacies.
Since then we have supported various people, some of whom we have just written an anonymous check. Yet, the joy is the same, the joy of knowing you have blessed another's life.
This year we gave our Christmas money to Bertha. Bertha was our housekeeper in 1984-1991 in Harare Zimbabwe. Life has been hard: she is now a widow, her daughter has AIDS and she has been unemployed for years. Yet, she has faith that God will care for her and she trusts in an eternal home where there will be no more suffering. The knowledge that our money will be spent to help repair her home and put food on the table brings joy to our hearts. Merry Christmas, Bertha. We love you. (This photo of my sister and Bertha was taken last August in Zimbabwe)
My heart is full because of the joy of blessing another.
I have been reading posts like yours - and next year, we will definitely be tweaking our giving:)
ReplyDeleteDear Shanda, This is a beautiful story, reminding us that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive. Your family will be richly rewarded by hearing Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post and for hosting the linkup!
Love, joy and peace to you and your family,
Laurie
Shanda - this is so beautiful and selfless. We certainly need to rethink our Christmas giving.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joan
It's very true that giving to those in need makes us happy. I really like the picture of your sister and your former housekeeper.
ReplyDeleteThis is the best way to give a gift and joy is contagious.
ReplyDeleteThese are the best gifts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful post. Moving. What an amazing idea to pool all the adult money together and give to those in need! What a great opportunity to show the love of Christ!
ReplyDeleteHi Shanda - I have learnt and continue to learn that there is great joy in giving. My goal this year to give more, of myself and anything else the Lord requires of me. You are a great inspiration.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
OMG... the joy of giving, the joy of sharing! No greater joy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post!
This blessed me almost as much as you have blessed Bertha!
ReplyDeleteIt is a joy to share all of our gifts and blessings with those who are less fortunate; a priceless joy that draws us closer to God as we follow our journey of generosity.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs Shanda!
Denise
I find it interesting how God is speaking to so many on the very same topic this year. Rather than amassing presents for ourselves, give to make a difference in someone's life who truly NEEDS our resources. Lovely, Shanda!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Pam
2 Encourage
A wonderful way to make a real difference in the life of someone.
ReplyDeleteOh, Shanda...I have always wanted to do this and can't figure out what's stopping us. It may be that gifts are love languages for some of our family. Or maybe it's fear of change. Not sure, but you inspire me. Thank you and God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great idea! I love especially teaching my kids that sacrificing one or two gifts for another is incredibly rewarding.
ReplyDeleteYou know I loved this Shanda!!! Makes me so excited as I finish packing for my trip today!!! I linking up today! You are a blessing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy to read about this! It is inspiring, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteShanda - Oh, the gift of giving to be a blessings....not just giving for the sake of giving. Love how often our greatest Christmas' is when we catch the sacrificial, selfless, others focus offers that so represent the best gift that God gave us...Jesus!
ReplyDeleteThe expressions on the faces of the ones gifted are priceless! How wonderful to be the gift-giving hands of Jesus during this time of year. Truly the blessing is in the giving. What an amazing gift we have been given in our Lord and Savior, Jesus!
ReplyDeleteBendiciones Shanda... blessings,
ReplyDeleteI love this!!! I'm so glad that you came to CAROLING... please consider adding a CAROL by Sat. nite and link up!
This is such the right spirit of CHRISTmas! God bless you! Not only has reading this blessed me but also it encourages me greatly! I am moved by your selfless heart and touched by your giving! May you never forget the twinkle of Christmas from their eyes.
Que Dios te bendiga siempre!
Peggy
Love your heart and generosity Shanda ... truly inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I think there are more people doing this nowadays. Every Christmas we prepare 300 gift bags for inmates of our local jail. It is amazing that so many contribute and we never run out of funds to buy canned goods, soap, detergent, towels and a pair of shorts to put in the bag. We also have a party for a hundred inmates! Praise God for generous hearted people!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so inspirational. It is amazing what you are doing. It brought tears to my eyes to hear of the little one that took an apple before anything else. To imagine a child never being able to have an apple, it is so sad. May God bless you, and all those who are in need. This is such a hard time of year for so many people, and people like you are who truly makes a difference in this world. Thank you for sharing this story.
ReplyDeleteJessica
I am a new follower. I found you on the Welcome Wednesday blog hop. www.arebutterfliesticklish.blogspot.com
What a wonderful holiday tradition. And you're right: there is such joy and grace to be had in giving to someone who truly needs it. It sure beats giving another coffee mug to someone who already has 25!
ReplyDeleteI love learning about you, your travels, and your work!
I do believe that this is the true meaning of Christmas. sandie
ReplyDelete