The simple background is that through the fundraising of some South African high
schoolers our group was able to provide each child a Christmas present of socks, underwear, and candy. (Wrapped presents pictured at left) An American group also provided Christmas presents that included sandals, stuffed animal, soap, toothbrush, candy and other assorted necessities and fun gifts too.
Another 'present' for each child was a photo
taken of them while at Pizza Hut which was hung on their Christmas tree as an ornament. As the children surrounded the Christmas tree searching for their photo my heart was overflowing with joy. Their faces beamed as they found their photo or as they discovered a friends...I take photos so for granted. We handed these photos out to the children just before we left...many sought us out to give us their photo so that we would not forget them...little do they know that they are truly unforgettable!
As the children opened their Christmas presents I was privileged to sit beside my friend Pooja (younger sister of Sapna). She could hardly contain her excitement and smiles while waiting for the go ahead to open her packages. Once the word was given she excitedly tore into the small package containing the socks, underwear, candy and fingernail polish that we had assembled for the little girls.
Before she had the present unwrapped fully she paused, raised her small hand to her eye and gently rubbed it. At first I thought she just had an itch, but when she had gently rubbed her eyes three or four times I realized that she had tears in her eyes. She was quick to 'catch' them before they left her eyes (tears in the Indian culture are seen as a sign of weakness...the children are discouraged from crying). However, her tears did not escape my notice...I noticed them and my own tears joined little Pooja's. She was crying for joy over receiving two pair of underwear and a pair of socks (she hadn't discovered the candy or nail polish yet). I expect that my basic needs will be met and give no second thought to buying underwear or socks, however, my precious Pooja shed tears over receiving hers. You better believe my thankfulness has been challenged...I desire to praise God for each provision He makes in my life, whether it is money for underwear and socks, food to eat, a hot shower or friends and family who love me.
I was challenged this morning, and brought to tears as well...I'm about to step out of a great hot shower so I grab my towel, laid out by my precious friend who has given me a bed and house during my few days in Dallas, now I've been traveling for almost 2 months...using two travel towels that accomplish the task of drying pretty well, and this is the first time I've touched a real, thick, soft, warm towel during those two months. I bury my face in the towel to begin drying off and the tears begin to flow...how many times in my life have I taken for granted something so simple as a clean, warm towel to dry off with. Not today! I thought of my precious kiddos in India who do not have a clean, warm, soft towel to dry off with...God please continually remind me how blessed I am! Now as you step out of a hot shower and use a real, thick, soft, warm towel tell God you are thankful and blessed...and say a prayer for my precious children in India.
Though they may be 'missing out' on conveniences we in the Western world have they are more blessed than we could ever dream of being. They TRUST God for everything...every meal, water, clothes...when they don't have those things they pray and keep praying til He provides. When there is no food they gather to pray and KNOW that God will provide in His way...this blessed, American girl had her faith challenged by those orphans who have nothing materially but everything spiritually!