Over the last few years, I’ve pretty much stopped watching much news, at least on television. It’s so depressing. The world is full of disease, war, anger, violence, hatred, and bad behavior. It makes me tired and weary, and I figure I can’t change it, so why flood my soul with negativity and sadness?
But then something hits me out of the blue, and I remember that people are generally good, and in fact, they can be downright amazing. This story also reminds me that even one person can make a huge difference in other people’s lives.
A few months ago, I posted a picture of this little 2-1/2 year old sweetie on Facebook:
She is the child of a neighbor in my area, and like most Africans, she and her family don’t live extravagant lifestyles. In fact, they get by with very little. Their house is the size of most Americans’ living rooms–if that. There is no indoor plumbing. The child’s mother and her grandfather work their tiny “duka” (store) every day of the week to make enough to feed and care for their family. (The store is smaller than my master bathroom in the United States.) Her father drives a motorcycle for hire. I would be surprised if they made more than 10,000 shillings profit each day at that store, which is less than $5 American. But every day, without fail, they have BIG smiles and hugs for ME!
Anyway, my classmate starting back in third grade, Christy Syrcle, saws this post, and she commented, “Tell me some things I can send to these little precious ones. Pm me and an address. Fun things and necessities.” I told Christy it would be better if she just sent me a little money, and I would find the things here (cheaper and no shipping costs). She did, and I was stunned at how generous the sum was. I knew that I would be able to brighten the lives of many children with the donation she made.
So Larick and I identified some of the neediest children in our neighborhood, and we talked to their parents about what they lacked. Let me just say that Christy’s generous gift benefitted six families directly, with 14 children in those families receiving “targeted” gifts: backpacks, clothing, shoes, school supplies, and art supplies. Two of them got nice shoes for First Communion. In addition, we took a little that was left over and bought tennis balls and a NICE regulation soccer ball and gave it to the little children in the neighborhood. (Larick and I broke the soccer ball in before we delivered it, and I’m happy to say I scored one goal, and Larick is a very good football player! Of course, he could have slaughtered me if he wanted, but he is a gentleman.) In all, well over 25 children received gifts, and ALL of them were ecstatic. And let’s not forget the merchants who sold these items–Christy’s gift benefited their families, too.
Besides reminding me that people are good, this lesson taught me that one person can make a difference. Just look at the love the families gave Christy in response to their gifts: Christy’s Gift YouTube Video It’s worth watching until the end. I’ll be surprised, no SHOCKED, if you don’t smile at least once!
This story also reminded me just how lavishly many Americans live in comparison. Yes, LAVISHLY. Even if you don’t have much, you probably have a thousand times more than these folks. Sometimes it ashames me that I have so much compared to what little they have, and I left so much behind when I left the United States. Yet these folks’ bank accounts are full of love!
Christy: We can’t thank you enough for this opportunity to spread some joy in Africa. I will never forget this gesture of kindness, and I am certain these children and families won’t, either. God bless you! Mungu atakubariki!
In closing, the old adage continues to be true: Money doesn’t buy happiness. But giving and gratitude are priceless. Take a moment today (and every day) to be grateful for what you have. And share kindness and love with your family and neighbors. Even if you don’t have money to share, it doesn’t cost anything to say something nice.
-Badger OUT.
This is fabulous! Thanks for sharing. 🙂