I recently accepted the challenge on FaceBook to pay it forward…
Here’s the deal…you ask five people to commit…you’ll pay it forward some time during the year…a card, a book, something that reminds you of them. At the same time those five people will pay it forward to others. Yes..it could go on and on…generating lots of goodwill…or…it could die a slow death. Regardless, I think it’s a brilliant way to spread some love!
Within no time I had my five…or was it seven…anyway…it just brought me back to being in Myanmar and being reminded so much of how fun it was to pay it forward. Knowing how much the children enjoyed receiving little gifts the first visit…made me think about what to bring this time. Now…to be clear…I’m not one for giving out candy to rot their little teeth…nor do I want them concentrating on how much money a tourist could put in the palm of their hand…(thank you Suzan)…
But…the joy of giving them pencils, notebooks, balloons, tiny toys etc…well it just makes my heart sing to be able to do that…
This time…knowing there would be more opportunity for interaction within a couple of small villages…<besides these little gifts I mentioned>…<and remembering what a hit it was during my visit to India>…I packed the Fuji Instax Mini and loads of film.
And boy did we have fun…
…and I can’t wait to show you…
p.s…if you’re receiving this in your blog feed and there’s no photo…just click to my site for a view of the showcased photo. Simple as that…
And you must…cause he’s adorable…
So, So very true about what your friend Suzan said. I’ll always remember the photograph of the little boy holding his I❤️NY keychain in his mommy’s arms. It’s sad when they are taught that the tourists are rich and to beg for money. It makes me think some of them will grow up to be the ones who mug the tourists.
Just the little toys at a Dollar Stores here, makes the children who have so little so very happy. All your photographs of such poor children with no shoes and dirty clothes with big giant smiles on their faces as they play together with just each other or a soccer ball, is so heartwarming.
I think that’s why I don’t like Christmas, because of the commercialism. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fascination and joy of a child on Christmas day and all that jazz. It’s the part where adults feel pressured and compelled to buy gifts for people just because it’s Christmas.
Not patting myself on the back of anything, but I always liked picking up gifts or thinking of things that someone would like or really need, no matter what time of year it is. That’s the way we should always be. Caring and thoughtful of others.
When we adopted Jess, part of the process was that the agencies required the adoptive families bring gifts to the orphanages when they came to the country to pick up their child.
It was a little different for us, as Jessica was with a foster family and we had escorts (who were the birthmother’s lawyers son and daughter) bring her, as we both worked full time and some countries required you stay for 6 weeks before even coming come, luckily Guatemala didn’t. Sadly, they shut down the the country for adoption in 2007, we were lucky, it was 1997. We did have to pay for the birthmothers lawyer, foster family and escorts expenses, including them staying in NY for a few days, hotel, spending money, etc.
When she arrived, she had Dr. Denton’s that were tight on her little feet, a bottle with a worn out nipple and a blue Continental Airline blanket (before you had to pay for them). They took back the bottle, we kept the blanket. The foster families would take the babies in order to make a little money and they needed all the clothes and resources back for the others.
I cant wait to see your photos and blog!!!
Love you, Dear Robin. You have a heart of gold.
xoxoxo
Oh, I meant to say I agree with you about making your heart sing. Sometimes I feel selfish because I feel I get such joy out of giving that I wonder if it is more for me than for the recepient.
Thanks Lisa! I know what you mean…it isn’t all about us…but when one gets such pleasure…
But…it’s all good, right!
You know how much I love this “pay it forward” concept, Robin, and the fact that you thought ahead for this recent trip back to a country that has grown on you. I love your idea of “approrpriate” gifts for the children. My guess is you’ll go back again, in spite of whatever bug it is you’re still trying to figure out. Blessings on you as you live your life with this kind of grace and wisdom!
Thank you Ginnie…always love your visits!
I think the FaceBook challenge is a fun way to “pay it forward” and get others to do the same. However, “paying it forward” is nothing different for you my dear Frissy, because as long as I’ve know you, you have been “paying it forward” in your life everyday!. And that is one of the MANY reasons I am so proud to have you as my frister… Love you to the moon and back and MORE!!! XoXo
Well you are my frister and you do have to say these things, ha ha! Thank you my sweet…I do so appreciate you!!!
Great idea about all the little things you took on your recent trip and I always love paying it forward in any way, shape or form … does the heart good.
Love this face here!
Thanks Susan! Always appreciate your visits! ♥
I sense that “pay it forward” is simply a way of life for you, challenge or not. Giving to children is such a joy because they are always so grateful. Lately, I’ve been working on giving with that same heart to those in my community circle who are not always grateful nor so easy to love. And, I’m finding the same as you – my heart sings. Love your photograph today – so real and honest and fun!. I’m always genuinely delighted when I see your notes arrive in my mail.
Thanks Donna! Yes, I have been so fortunate that one of my greatest joys is to “pay it forward” and something that my father taught me at such an early age! Well ditto my dear…I’m always eagerly waiting for your postings and seeing your amazing captures! So happy our paths have crossed…♥
He is certainly adorable! Wonderful, Robin!
Thanks Elena!! ♥