BECAUSE

“So tired of going in and out of this country, but I’m doing this for everyone. The only thing I ask of you is study harder.” I admonished one of the kids last night.

I didn’t explain the anxiety of this all – the agony of traveling twenty hours every so often; the unpredictable dramas at the immigration; the pride to swallow meeting up with a sponsor for someone’s sake; the fear of being misunderstood amidst good intention; and all that involves in fundraising.

But I will tell her one of these days. For now, just want her to understand that someone cares. And nothing is more important than that.

Because it’s one in a million – not everyone one she meets in the street takes a notice or cares that much without hesitation or offers help and nothing else but pure help.

Because this someone is also a philanthropist – an uncle she hasn’t even met yet; a giver whose heart simply says ‘bless’; a goodhearted person with a willing mind considering others in need.

Because one has to embrace a sacrificial love – have set aside a priority maybe or have suppressed an important need for this one or have passed a saving this time.  

I thank God for bringing a generous person like Mr. Oliver. But I don’t think he likes the idea of bringing his goodness in the open. So saying a first name would do.

And thank God for the opportunity to help this needy girl.

She is one of the recipients for this kindness. This hopeful girl wants to be an English teacher in the future. She’s staying at the center to learn English. 

It’s not my business to pore over her intention or desire. Because we just want to help her follow that dream. No string attached. For sure, this goes with the sponsor’s intention as well.

Today, she came up with this one - a thank you note to a dear sponsor.

Then I talked to another kid the same night. I said exactly the same words except for one thing – oh, just an encouragement – to make his thank-you letter more creative. 

Because I believe he can do better, extra-ordinarily.

Because he has to learn this way – to value with love every sponsor that comes his way.  

“Do you know that engineers have creative thinking as far as science is concerned?  Do better than this plain writing!” I encouraged.

The next time, he came up with something beautiful – a unique note filled with thanksgiving. 

And then I spoke with one more little girl (who wants to be a lawyer) that same evening about the same message. I think she understands what I said.

But again, like the other kids, she also needed admonition and reminder. As young as she is, she might not be that appreciative still.  And so Daddy has to explain this magic word called “thank you.”

Because she has to have a grateful heart for all the goodness shown or for every kindness favored or for every help given her. If not, she’ll grow up having not a thankful attitude.

Because she has to learn that expressing thanks can be done in different simple ways – a thank you card for instance.

Because she has to put in mind as early as this the importance of being thoughtful to a sponsor as well.

“Life is harsh and mean at times. But there are kind people around, too - they lift us up, they encourage us, and they care about us. So never take them for granted. Appreciate, appreciate, and appreciate! ” I preached.

Few hours came, she handed me what she has made – another beautiful thank you card.

Because you help and care and show kindness and think about us – So a trillion thanks goes to each one of you.

God bless you!