Inspired by India

What next?  In so many quiet moments throughout the day, it is quickly where my mind goes.  On January 27th,  I returned from eleven days in India.  The first eight of them were spent visiting the ministry sites of an organization called Share in Asia.  It began 18 years ago as the American arm of a 70 year old ministry based in Southern India.  They plant churches, build and run orphanages and schools in the poorest areas as well as widows homes and lepers homes .  They participate in mercy outreach of every kind.  Each day of those eight I saw desperate need and overwhelming joy, often in the same moments. Children laughing with joy as they ate what may be their only good meal that day, provided by the school.  Girls orphaned by the Indian ocean tsunami of 2004, beaming with smiles as they danced and sang, secure in the provision of their orphanage.  It is the children that hit us the hardest.  They are the most vulnerable.  We can't judge them, which would create distance from their plight.  They are the clearest victims, yet with the purest thankfulness.  And it was at the orphanages and schools of Share in Asia that I saw the most hope.

My husband Zack has traveled to Haiti on a mission in the past and offered me some knowing advice before I left; ”Remember, God hasn't blessed you to feel guilty."  Those words floated in my mind as I faced so much need.  So why has God blessed me?  Why do I have everything I need and more?  I am blessed to be a blessing.  We all are.  I've known this for a very long time - it is how my parents lived.  I have haltingly and very imperfectly operated from this perspective for most of my adult life.  But India brought a whole new application of that truth.  In India, my eyes saw poverty and need on a whole new level, coupled with the power of help and hope to change lives, and the impact of relatively small contributions of time and money. I'll never be able to unsee these things.  I'll never get the little girl out of my mind.  We pull off the bumpy, crowded road to buy a snack of fresh coconut and we meet her. She is 2, maybe 3.  She lives in a tent made of a tarp with her brothers and sisters. I don't know where her parents are.  She has no clothes.  We buy them all giant wedges of watermelon for pennies.  She stares over the top of hers, its wider than her precious head.  Eyes fixed on mine while she eats.  Here she is with the other children.

Every child is precious.  Made in the image of God with dignity, value and worth.  If I have blessing, is it not for her?  Is it not for whomever God puts before me?  For my husband, for my friends, for family, for the hurting and needy in my own community and now, for Indian children in orphanages and schools half way around the world.  I cannot begin to help them all, that much is obvious.  But I can take a step, make a change, choose to bless.

So, a few days ago, I had an idea.  A little way to help, for now.  Valentine's Day is coming up.  Ostensibly, this day is about love.  Share the Love began running through my mind.  A pop-up shop selling Valentine's treats maybe? A Valentine's gift shop?  NO!  Valentine's Day gift boxes!  Each box would contain lovely things to give someone you love on Valentine's Day, AND the love would be shared!  Every donation would go to blessing the orphans I met and fell in love with in India.  Their orphanage is in a flood prone area and was recently damaged. Their bathrooms are incredibly spare and simple.  There are so many needs.  I can't adopt those children and bring them home with me, but can I adopt their orphanage? Can I inspire others to join me in this?  I don't know where this is all leading or if its just one holiday and one effort, but I'll start right here.  I can take this step.

So, this Valentine's Day, love your Valentine well AND share the love with an orphanage in need. Every penny of your donation for this Valentine's Day gift will go to the Share in Asia Tsunami Orphanage in Southern India. 

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UPDATE!  This fundraiser earned more than $1800.00 for the Share In Asia Tsunami Orphanage!  Thank you to everyone who cared and gave!

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SHARE THE LOVE FUNDRAISER

Your fully tax-deductible suggested donation of $60 includes this gift.  (additional $20 suggested for delivery)

A Valentine's Day gift box filled with lovely things...

• Fresh cut tulips wrapped in festive tissue
• Homemade treats from me and my friends: Chocolate truffle cookies, Peanut butter chocolate bon-bons, Indian chai-spiced shortbread hearts
• Choice of:  Sozo wine, French Sparkling Apple Cider or Gourmet Coffee Beans
• A picture of the children and note of thanks for Sharing the Love
• Set in a box with lovely packaging
• A custom note from you

NOTE:  The deadline for box ordering is passed, but if you'd still like to donate any amount, that would be so amazing.  Go to www.shareinasia.org 

I'll be sure to keep you all posted on how this goes!