As most parents this time of year, Wayne and I getting serious about Christmas shopping plans. We take a weekend and head to Grand Rapids for a few nights. My aunt Pam takes the kids during the day while Wayne and I run ourselves ragged looking for just the right PollyPocketiPodWiigottahaveitgadgetbecauseifIdon'tIwon'tbecoolwhenIgobacktoschool. I will totally admit, I love to shop. I love finding the right thing for each kid. This year, it's pulling me down. Budgets are tighter, but that's not really it...
It's knowing that there are over 1 million children in China alone who don't get a Christmas morning. It's knowing that we have soooooo much, that our kids get enough gifts to supply a small orphanage that doesn't have what it needs to care for the children. It's not even that...it's looking into face of kids who don't know the love of a family. It's something most people push away, they choose not to think about that. I include myself in that statement too. I get wrapped up in getting what I want. Not giving, but getting. Go to the CWA.org and check out the older children who need families, tell me they aren't deserving. On the bright side, there is one little guy who has at least 10 families that are interested in him. :-) But still many wait and wait.....
So for my friends that pray, say a little prayer for those kiddos that who don't know what the holidays are all about, that they too will come to know the love a family and a sense of belonging.
3 comments:
Umm... I'd say most of the Chinese kids dont' get Christmas because... they're not Christians...
That always reminded me of the Band Aid song "Do they Know It's Christmas"... Uhh... well they probably don't know and probably don't care... They're in Africa! They don't celebrate Christmas! Do you know it's Eid al-Adha? Anyways my wife and I always laugh at the song...
Dearest Liam,
Having spent 2 weeks in early Decemeber in China...regardless if they are Christians or not, know it's a holiday for others. (Much like those who celebrate St. Patty's day and are far from being Irish!) Christmas is a HUGE commercial deal in China. I saw tons of Christmas decorations, music and other reminders of jolly ol St. Nick. True, I'm sure most kids in orphanages don't know about Christmas. Doesn't do anything to ease my heart knowing that so many of Julia playmates are still there without parents...especially since Christ's birth represents for us.
I breaks my heart to think of those still waiting for their very own mama and baba. No one to tuck them in at night, give them a kiss and say a prayer. No one to give "just one more kiss and hug." I'm with you, Melissa, and struggle this time of the year with the knowledge that so many wait...
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