A gift of love from the heart

How do things go for you when you take children to town?   Do they see things that they want you to buy for them?

While I was visiting the children’s home, Babeselle and Meriam were my two constant shadows.   They rarely asked for anything, and then usually only when I had asked if they wanted something.

One day when my visit was getting close to being finished, we were in town and they had their heads together whispering about something.  Finally, Babeselle asked me, “Papa can I have some money, please?  We want to buy something.”   Babeselle always calls me “papa” and the other children call me “daddy”.

I asked how much money they were thinking that they would need.  It amounted to slightly over a dollar.   I gave them the equivalent of $3.00 USD to see what they were going to do with the money.   They disappeared into a store that sold used items.

In a few minutes they came back with two bags that they carefully kept hidden from me.  I asked if they were going to show me what they had purchased but was told, “Later, papa”.   I was then given my change back.

When we got to the children’s home, the children went into a secretive huddle.   They seem to come to an agreement and then brought the bags to the table and all the children and the volunteers gathered there to see what was going to happen.

Meriam told me, “Daddy when you go home, we don’t want you to forget about us.   Here is something to remind you every morning when you drink your coffee.”  She handed me the first bag.   It had a coffee mug with a lid and a tea strainer.

Babeselle then stepped up, “Papa, here is a fan to keep you cool so you don’t get too hot.   We don’t want you to get sick from the heat.”  She pulled out a fan advertising Hong Kong.

Their shopping was not for them, but for gifts for me.   I don’t use the coffee mug because I don’t want to break it, however, it sits on my desk where I see it every day when I am working on my daily post or simply doing my online work.  And yes, it is a constant reminder of “my children” that have stolen my heart.

They gave from their hearts, using my money because they didn’t have any of their own, but a treasured gift no less.

To my friends both in the USA and elsewhere, I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving Day.   If it is not observed in your country, the simple version it is a day set aside for giving thanks to God for His many blessings.   There is a greater historical story that can be looked up, but that is a short summary.

I am thankful for God’s watchfulness over us this last year, and for the wonderful people that have supported the children in this past year.   There are many more things, but I will stop there.

You can keep up with the happenings at the children’s home in your Facebook feed by liking and following us on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/childrens.hope.90

You may also support the children’s home by going to the following link http://hopehomeandschool.com/index.php/support/

Also, if you share the Facebook postings when you find them interesting, it will help spread the word about our children.

If you would like to hear more about the children’s home, I am available to speak to your church, missions group, or other organization.