A friend of mine told me yesterday that the movie “A Christmas Carol” makes him reflect on his year. He thinks of what he’s done well and what he could do better next year. I don’t normally get those end of the year reflections. Perhaps I reflect more at the end of a school year. I know that I do think a lot about my own behaviour and that of others.
With Christmas being just a few days away I’ve found myself wondering about my friends and family as they relate to my orphan care project. From the very beginning of this endeavour I have been both amazed and frustrated by people’s enthusiasm. Every time someone makes a generous donation I am amazed at the idea that they believe in what I am doing. There are donations coming from people that I don’t even know. There are donations coming from people who obviously have no vested interest in the success of failure of the project.
This past week was the last week of school before the holidays. At this time of year teachers often receive gifts of chocolates, gift cards, scarves and other tokens of appreciation for what we do. I was pleasantly surprised so many times this past week. I received an email from one mm who wished to make a donation in lieu of a gift for me. I was touched by her thoughtful gesture because that is what I had hoped many would do. I was even more touched when I read her card. She suggested I use the money to buy shoes for the orphans. This means she has read the blog. I couldn’t believe she would take the time to read and then respond in such a thoughtful way.
So many touching things happened this week. It made me almost uncomfortable. A family whose son I taught last year made an incredibly generous donation which came as a complete surprise. I am getting teary now as I think of this kind family and their sweet gesture.
The grade three classes in my school worked so hard to make and sell ribbons in support of the Itatu children. The students were very excited to make posters and promote the orphan care throughout the school. They raised enough money to feed all of the orphans for 3 weeks. They should be very proud of their efforts. Their enthusiasm was very inspiring.
This holiday season has generated a good amount of money for the kids in Malawi. Of course when I decided to start the orphan care I planned to work independently. Charitable status, donations and a website are all ideas that came after the initial decision. I am very much indebted to all of you who have donated money, skills, energy and enthusiasm.
There have been moments of frustration. There are people that I had hoped would want to be involved that have chosen not to at this time. There are people who know the struggles I am facing but seem uninterested in assisting. What I am trying to learn from this frustration is that not everyone shares the same passions. I should not take lack of interest personally. Everyone has their own life to live and their own goals to achieve. I believe in what I am doing. I am prepared to do it alone and I am grateful for any assistance that is offered. I continue to be surprised and touched by the generosity of those who have helped the children. Thank you all.
Tags: malawi, orphan care, orphans
I have been talking to my students about family traditions especially those associated with the holidays. Last night when I was talking to Mabvuto he asked if the children or the adults enjoyed Christmas more in Canada. He was surprised when I told him that Christmas is for the kids. He told me that in Malawi it’s not a big deal at all for children. There is no exchange of gifts. Adults attend church in the morning and then get drunk in the afternoon. Families will share a “good” meal of chicken and rice to mark the occasion.
He asked if the movies I like to watch at Christmas are about Jesus. That’s when I told him about Santa. At first when I asked if he’d heard of Santa Claus he thought I said “fancy clothes.” He laughed pretty hard at my description of Santa. He told me he has seen photos of Christmas trees but has never seen one for real. I plan to burn some Christmas movies and take some photos of Christmas decorations and trees to show him and the children when I return in July. It must all seem so strange to them.
I guess I’m teaching the Malawian children a little about our culture by giving them gifts at Christmas. I know they’ll appreciate the gesture and will be very grateful for anything they receive.
On the Itatu blog there is now a store. When you donate to Itatu Orphan Care this holiday season, you’ll receive an electronic gift card to keep for yourself or to share with loved ones. Choose to donate towards: clothing, shelter, toys, caregivers, school or food. Makes gift giving simple! It really does feel good to give.
Thanks everyone.
Tags: Add new tag, itatu orphan care, jennifer douma, malawi
I love shoes. It’s rare for me to pass by a shoe store without at least going in to look. Shoes are important. I’ve been told that one should never scrimp on shoes, food or beds. This is a good philosophy as far as I’m concerned. As Christmas approaches I am thinking of my children in Malawi and wishing I could give them everything. Canadian children want toys and games. Malawian kids want clothes and shoes. They continually beg me for shoes. They think I can give them whatever they want and it breaks my heart that I can not. It seems that I should be able to give them each a pair of shoes. These would not be an extra pair of shoes but their only pair.
I’ve just hung up the phone after speaking with Mabvuto. we were finalizing the Christmas plans for the kids in Malawi. While I was there I bought them a portable radio which will be given to them at Christmas. They’ll love it. Two of the kids thought my iPod was a radio and wanted me to leave it for them. They will also each receive a new school uniform.
Giving them these gifts should make me feel happy but I just feel like I’m not doing enough. They have asked me repeatedly for shoes. I would love to buy them shoes but my budget just doesn’t allow it. I could buy shoes for each child for a total of about $50 but I am already stressed about all the money I’ve put out so far this year. On one hand I think, “What’s another $50?” and on the other I tell myself that I have to draw the line somewhere. I’ve just had a bit of a breakdown over this lack of willingness to provide them with shoes. I wish I could do more.
Tags: Add new tag, itatu, malawi, orphan care
