Needs vs. Wants

Part of my idea for the money jar came from how generous children were in giving to help provide this year for our Christmas at the Center. Some gave money for soccer balls and dolls, while others sorted through their Matchbox cars sending me with a ziplock bag full of them.

Before leaving on my trip, a 13 year old asked him mom to send the money that he had been saving to Africa for children in need. He told his mom that all of his friends had everything they need, so this is what he wanted to do with the money he had earned. I was given a wad of cash in a plastic bag, I was blown away when I got home and counted $63! Talk about giving from what you have.

Our children have what they need. Sure there are things they want, but I’ve been thinking long and hard with how to honor the request of a 13 year old boy. After looking around the Center the only need I could see is that some of the kids are without bug nets. Since mosquito’s carry Malaria nets are a need and so I spent about $30 to buy missing nets and we take the nets with holes so they can be fixed.

Amido's new bug net.

At family time we tell the kids of this gift and I tell them the whole story and even share a picture of the 13 year old. They are thankful and excited, some of them even thank the 13 year old by name. This is also a time for a good lesson of learning the differences between needs and wants. We also tell the kids that if they get holes in their net they need to let us know so they can be fixed. Sometimes I think it’s really hard for our boys to ask for things… maybe they don’t see the net as a need.

Amido & Nunu working on Njuale &
Helder's bug nets

Juma happy as a bug in a rug,
ready for a good nights sleep!

So the rest of the money, we put in the money jar and continue to encourage the kids as they are thinking of needs of the children in our community. It's a good lesson for us all from a 13 year old... sure there are lots of things we all want, but there are so many people in the world who don't have their needs met each day. 

Prayer Requests:

- That the children would come up with amazing ways to bless those in need in their community and that they would give cheerfully.

- Continued health for myself and the kids at the Center.