While I was in Rwanda I got a chance to meet with almost all the kids in our program one on one to see how they are doing, both mentally and physically. Most of these kids are very grateful that ministries like Ten Talents Rwanda exists to help them achieve their dreams. They are very happy that they can go to school, see the doctor when they are sick, eat lunch at school, and for some Ten Talents helps in paying their house rent, which they are also grateful for.
I also discovered through our conversations that although these kids don't get to write letters to Santa or make a Christmas wishlist like many of us do, they do have things they want to ask Santa but they simply can't because they don't believe in miracles. Which is why I am asking that we help all our At Risk children to bring a miracle to them this upcoming Christmas.
As I was laying in my bed this morning talking to my Lord, I was presented with this question, "WHAT WILL YOU DO?" Usually when I am talking with him, I have this set up where we sit facing each other and usually he asks me to "Just say it" and after that it's me talking non stop how these things are impossible and I talk for hours and then after I am done he always says: IF ALL THESE THINGS SEEM IMPOSSIBLE TO YOU, WHY AM I HERE?
God is amazing for sure. He doesn't give me all the answers, but as a teacher and a father he gives me the opportunity to come up with answers on my own. On this issue it was very hard to think of an answer, so I answered him in these exact words, "Are you kidding me right now? I don't even have a job yet, how in the world do you expect me to do this?" After a moment of silence, in his calm voice he asked, "What is your Christmas wish this year? What do you want Santa to bring you this year?"
SNAP!!! There it was!! My answer. It did not even take that long to find my Christmas wish, it was right there in front of me already. Thanks God, you are amazing in every way. I could wish for the kids and could believe in miracles for them because I have seen miracles happen to me and I believe in them.
So here is my Christmas wish this year: in addition to the backpacks, school supplies, a pair of shoes, an outfit and delicious food provided by our Ten Talents International family and friends, I wish that every child in our At Risk program will receive a mattress, a sack of rice, a sack of beans, and cooking oil. I know this seems impossible but I believe in miracles, and I really believe that miracles do happen everyday.
If I have done my math correctly, the cost of a mattress and food will be approximately $100-$120 per child. These things can only be purchased in Rwanda since we can't pack them from here, and plus they are cheaper there. I understand its too much, but think about what you will be doing for someone else's life, you will be providing a good night to a child who might have never slept on a mattress before. Believe me that does happen to some people in Rwanda- a mattress is a big deal. You will be feeding a family across the world at least for a month. Plus it will make you feel good to know that you changed someone's life once upon a time.
Money can be donated through Ten Talents website and we will make sure to send photos after we get all these things to the kids.
Other donations we need for the upcoming trip to Rwanda include:
- Backpacks
- shoes all sizes
- Underwear (both for boys and girls)
- socks
- clothes (boys and girls)
- toothbrushes
- towels
- bed sheets
- soccer balls, etc.
Unlike mattresses and food, these other things can be purchased (new) here in the USA and dropped off at my house or at church, and I will pick them up and make sure they reach their destination.
