Out of the Mouth of Babes

With everything that's been going on in Japan, Isaac has had alot of mature questions he's been asking as I've been writing friends to see that they are okay out there. I realize that he's getting old enough to understand that life can be very different and I want him to develop a sense of gratitude now that will stick with him throughout his life. As we watch the pictures and as he asks about my friend, I've tried to explain to him what they're going through. He can grasp quickly that they've lost their homes, clothes, food, toys and when I asked him what he thought they might be feeling, he said, "Scared. Sad, very sad." In his little heart he was generous enough to ask if we could send them his toys. I then explained the difference between needs and want and in his genuine innocence, he asked if our leftovers from dinner could be sent. ;0) It made me smile and with him constantly reminding us to keep the "salami people" in our prayers, I resolved to do something as a tangible part of all the things we've been trying to teach.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a huge humanitarian effort with 100% of the donations going to the victims of disasters wherever they may be. With things over seas, they take the money and use it in countries closest to buy and send supplies thus keeping costs of shipping down as well as in the hopes of helping the economy in other areas aside from the USA. While a check sent from us would be great, I knew that Isaac wouldn't feel as much a part of it, so we went to the dollar store and bought some supplies to put together some hygiene kits. I was amazed at how little it costed to get toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth and soap for 20 kits. We put it together as a family this evening. It was such a simple thing to do and have the kids involved in that I have resolved to do it again at least on a yearly basis.

I feel as if I've been taught by my little boy. Those people, though remote, have impacted him enough that he thinks of them when he plays, when he eats and prays. May I have the generous heart of a child and the means to serve others more as I grow older!