We rounded
the $68.37 saved in December to $70. And
again we contributed it to World Vision.
Because they have been found to be diligent with the charity’s monies,
they received donations and grants which would allow any individual
contribution to be multiplied 5 times.
We designated the resulting $350 to be used for food in Africa; the
situation is just SO dire.
I read the
story of one woman who has lost 4 children and fears losing her toddler. I can not begin to imagine her pain. And certainly if she knows of the wealth that
we enjoy, how could she not be angry that her children have to be malnourished
and stand practically no chance of surviving?
I saw the story
of an 11 year old boy who carried his baby sister on his back for 2 ½ hours to
a medical clinic sponsored by World Vision.
He was told she was malnourished.
She was given necessary nutrients and Plumpy’nut, a fortified food
product used for severely malnourished children.
For 2012 we
saved a total of $995.64. Because we
looked for opportunities where the contribution would be matched or multiplied,
the total dollar amount used to benefit children, both in the U.S. and across
the world was $6,892! In addition to putting aside any savings from sale
prices, we found it felt good to each month forego making a purchase or doing
something we wanted to, and instead set the money aside for kids. It is interesting how easy it became to think
in such a way.
We are
pleased. I like to think of some
toddler, some child way too young to understand that there are places where the
kids do not have to go hungry, getting a full tummy for the first time in a
long time. I like to think of a small
child getting medicine which will help in giving him/her the opportunity to
survive until the age of five. I like to
think of a little one having a daily supply of safe drinking water. I can conjure up a number of little faces,
all different shapes and colors, all different shaped eyes, looking up to the
person or persons who just took care of them.
I feel sure they do not know how to express, even in their own
languages, how good it feels to not have their tummies hurt, to not be hungry; to
not be so cold because someone gave them coats.
My mind can easily see them forming a circle around some adult who has
food and water for them, or maybe a coat.
You know how little kids do that.
They want some too!
We didn't bother to discuss whether or not to continue our project; we've agreed to
continue without the need for words. We can see those little faces and those
little hands reaching out.
