When I first thought about the ChinaKidz project I really wasn’t sure if readers would want to become involved and give. I think sometimes it is so hard to conceptualize what it is like for people to have nothing and in all honesty it is probably easier to separate them and us. Someone did ask me why we should care when it doesn’t directly effect us, this person was a mama to young children herself, I asked her to consider what she would want people to think, feel or do if it was her child that was sick, hungry, hurt or even dying. For me there is no them and us, only human brothers and sisters & love.
So the ChinaKidz project began, and I came here a bit sheepishly and asked people if they’d be willing. I knew that Christmas sadly is a very busy time for people, that there would be many people totally inundated with their own lists of things to buy and gifts to make, but I was hoping that there was a little room left to buy or make something for a baby with nothing. I remember being scared to check the comments, just incase no one had said yes. I fervently asked in prayer that my heart would not judge if people couldn’t, but instead be thankful if 1 person could, if 1 person out of 3 or 4 thousand who read the post said yes then that was one blessing to be thankful for. And then the emails and comments started arriving, they came from basketball coaches, knitting groups, individuals, children, Churches, community centers, University students and Hospitals. People from the Maldives and Alaska, Finland and Australia. And what I know is this: thanks to YOUR hearts, thanks to YOUR making the time, thanks to YOUR sacrifices and love these babies & children felt cherished, treasured and filled with joy. YOUR words of encouragement for people who care for these children day in & day out became the words they needed to get through the day. YOUR involvement and love inspired and blessed me and these sweet darlings, beyond measure…
Most of these children I have held, I have sat in tears rocking them and loving them, I have wondered what the plan is for their lives. I have worried and fretted and felt anxious, but thanks to you for a few days all I could feel was love, like a great big hug across the sea…
And from my friend, who has given up her life to spend 24/7 caring for palliative children (on a voluntary basis), this message.
“I cannot tell you how moved we are with all the parcels received for the Butterflies. The thoughtfulness that went into the choice of clothes, toys and gifts was very touching and the Nannies were absolutely delighted when told of where the gifts had come from. It really demonstrates the worth placed on these… lives. The notes that accompanied some of them have really encouraged us as we pioneer this new service. Please thank all your lovely ‘followers’ from the bottom of our hearts.
With love, Lyn
You did good blog friends, you did good…! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
{If you don’t see your gift there, I now have a list, so please feel free to email me!}
If we could make only a fraction of the difference you are making, this would be a better world for so many.
I’m amazed at the responses you are able to generate with your blogs. Would that all efforts of other could be so successful (including mine). The babies and toddlers of Chinakidz are truly blessed and loved. That is so heartwarming to see. Bless you for all your efforts to use what gifts you have. xx
Oh FT how wonderful!!!! I’m sure it was a lot of work for you to organize it all, match people and respond to questions! Thank you for doing all the amazing work you do and inspiring the thousands who come here!
What a fantastic post! Thank you, FT, for organizing this huge effort! I’m so glad that there was a huge response to your request.
Re what you said about not being sure if anyone would give, I think that many people are willing to do something, but may not be aware (or think) of the opportunities to do so. So it is absolutely amazing that people like you step up to ask for this help and even organizing a drive like this. Thanks again!
How wonderful to see such joy and happiness and to see that the babies have enough to keep them warm! Blessings to you always dear friend!!!
Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!!! I know how many hours you spent on this project and I think you helped people see how great it is to care about others and actually live it out!
Love ya!
Thanks for the update, how lovely to see them in their lovely new warm clothes@ Thank you so much for organising this! As one of the other commenters said, most people are happy to do something, they just don’t know what until someone like you asks! Happy to oblige at any time, dear FT
xx
You are always too kind to me Judy. Thank you!
AH! I didn’t realize that this was all for ChinaKidz!!! I was just emailing with them last week (Helen, Lyn was copied). The whole “hospice” and “butterfly” thing along with Selah … God is doing something!
Thanks for sharing
Yes, that’s them & they are wonderful!!!
Thanks for organizing this FT! God is really using your heart for hurting children – you must be a woman of deep prayer for this sweet little ones!
I LOVED being a part of this project and was even able to tell a postal worker about itwhen I mailed the package; she asked if I had family in China and was excited about the project when I told her a little about it.
Thank you SO MUCH for putting this together.
Lucy
this post brought happy tears to my eyes. i’m so happy i was a part of it! i want to do it again!!
Don’t worry, there’s always next year. Only 10 months away now, so we’ll start in 8 months
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It absolutely made my heart melt to see that sweet little baby with the things I sent and could pick out exactly what I sent her and recognize the baby I felt an immediate connection to from the moment I saw her picture and learned we shared a birthday! Instead of you being grateful I should be! I would love to help more in the future, I will email you and ask for the info, I have misplaced it because my computer had a melt down a few weeks ago and I lost everything on file:( Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of this!!! All I can say is more photos more photos!! Its fab to see all of them soooo happy to receive all the wonderful presents everyone sent over!!!
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