Day 10

Awake

 

In my last letter I asked Topiwo what his name means, he said it means “to wake up“.  1. Who names their child that? 2. OH MY goodness is that not exactly what he has done for me?  When I read what he said his name meant I went in the bathroom and cried.  If you are wondering what in the world a Topiwo is and why I am crying then by all means, read this.  Topiwo is the 15 year-old boy from Tanzania my family sponsors through Compassion International.  I met him back in May.

And also, I don’t know that I ever thanked you all for sponsoring so many children.  I didn’t ask specifics but I know Nesting Place readers did more than just read the posts and move on. Thank you.
During my trip I found out how Compassion works and how sponsors can send a family gift. Compassion and the local church will help assess the needs of the child and family and make sure that the money is spent how it’s most needed.  When I got back I sent a $50 family gift to each of the three boys that we sponsor.  $50.  I spent twice that much filling my tank up with gas this morning.
Just last week I got two letters on the same day.

With photos.  And a list.  A list of some of the items that the $50 bought. Topiwo and his family received maize, soap, body oil, shoes, polish, powder soap and the other items in the photo.

Kim from The Phillipines got to go to “the mall” with his mom.  He got “shoes, rice, towel, mosquito net, brief, socks, pants, clothes, and slipper” (I hope he got two of those).
Those three $50 gifts were some of  the best money we’ve ever EVER spent. No doubt.
That’s all great but what does this have to do with 31 Days of Home. On Purpose?
Perspective.
Because without perspective we get lost in a sea of me.  I know, because I’ve done it.  I love talking about my house and I love making it pretty but also, I know there are bigger things in my life than the color of paint on my walls.  And I think remembering that helps me do better with what I have.
So I hope that today you will go and send a family gift to the child that you sponsor. And I hope you’ll send your sponsored child a Christmas Gift.  It’s so simple, all you have to do is login to your account (or quickly create one) and you can give a gift to your sponsored child online in just a few minutes.

 

What a beautiful story for today.  A reminder that there is an abundance of goodness and love in the world.  I really needed to be reminded of how much I have, and how grateful I should be for my countless blessings.  These children in other countries are so beautiful, so simple, so grateful for what they receive.  They are a reminder that I should be far more grateful and loving.  There may be many things I want for my home, and it's not wrong to want a lovely place to live, but there are also many people that are far more important.  How I wish we had unlimited funds to give to all the charities and causes that are so important!  This post was a timely reminder to me that when we have a home, and more resources and income, to remember others less fortunate.  And before I spend money on myself and my home, to remember to give to others, and help as best I can.