The devastation that hit Haiti happened while we were in Exuma … located approximately 100 miles north of Haiti. My blog was being redesigned at the time and out of commission, so Leslie {feeling my desperation to get some words out} suggested I guest post on her site. You can read that post here.
In Exuma, we could hear and see the cargo planes and helicopters go over almost every couple of hours … reminding us of the tragedy … seemingly so far out of reach … but yet just miles away.
The girls and I would pray for Haiti … in fact, they still mention Haiti in their prayers.
CJ and I donated money. And I texted to the Red Cross. But I really wanted to do something more tangible than just donating funds. And I wanted the girls involved.
So we sent a note to some friends and family asking them for donations of either funds, or materials.
The girls and I were going to make up relief kits that we’d send to Haiti. I can’t believe the generous outpouring! We got enough money and materials to make up 92 kits!!
I think I bought out every Target, Walgreens, and Pick-n-Save {our local grocery store} within a 30 mile radius for their wide-tooth combs and nail clippers. Stores don’t seem to carry a large supply of those items!
Here are a few photos of the girls putting the kits together. Pardon the partial nakiness … our living room was extremely hot that day.
Hunter painstakingly unfolded and rerolled every hand towel …
The girls took their work pretty seriously and had quite the production line going.
Here are a few shots of the piles of bags.
I’m so proud of my girls. They really seemed to understand and embrace what we were doing and why we were doing it.
I wish I were better about getting the girls involved in more giving projects. I’ve just started in the last year or so … but you better believe I’m going to continue.
It’s my hearts desire to raise children who can see outside of themselves and their own circumstances. And instill in them the desire want to serve and care about our world and the people in it.
What an awesome idea! And such an important lesson for the girls, too. We’re putting together supplies too this week for a clinic where some of our local doctors have gone for mission work. It’s amazing to share the power of giving!
I think it so important to do tangible giving like this (or of your time) for kids…it truly helps them “get it” and I think to be more giving people in general. Good work Momma!
That’s great!
awesome!!!
1. LOVE that your girls aren’t wearing shirts.
2. LOVE that you launched this and followed through with it.
3. LOVE your heart. I think I mentioned that before?
Seriously… what a great post. What a great thing to do… a huge blessing! (Now, how are you getting those into Haiti?!)
you are teaching your kids well my friend
What a FANTASTIC idea!!! You sure do come up with great ways to give back. What a wonderful gift you’re giving your kids :-)
SO awesome and inspiring! It’s great that the girls got so into it and wanted to help others. What a great lesson. :)
Wow, so awesome Tracie!
What a sweet idea. I will be serving at an orphanage in China this spring (second time), and am taking an extra suitcase of donations. Maybe I’ll encourage the little ones in my life to make similar kits!