for the 'Love of Africa' : Nov 29, 2012

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Christmas Kindness!

As I was preparing for my 'Christmas in Africa', I started to think about the children in this world that will not have Christmas or may not even know it is Christmas time at all! My eyes started to tear as I realized how blessed and truly grateful I really am, to be here in Tanzania, helping to better the lives of 18 beautiful children at this special time of the year ~ Christmas Time! Christmas is about 'Giving' more than receiving. And not just 'giving' but giving yourself! It's about paying it forward and putting a smile on someone's face. It's about children's laughter and giggles and not about what's under the tree, but who's around the tree. You all know by now, I have always been inspired and continue to be inspired by Oprah. Ten years ago, in December 2002, I was inspired by Oprah's 'ChristmasKindness' journey to South Africa, where she brought Christmas joy to 50,000 school children and orphans. I knew one day I wanted to do that. This will be my ChristmasKindness, on a smaller version of course, but there will be Christmas this year at Karim Orphanage! I have stufffed 25 Christmas stockings~ each with a name on it! I even wrapped each of the 8 gifts in each of the 25 stockings, which makes for about 200 gifts I wrapped! Alot of presents to wrap but it will all be SO worth it, come Christmas morning at Karim Orphanage. I have invited the neighbors, Ernest and Mama Ellie and their 2 children, as they are apart of this Karim family and my very good friends. I have also made up Christmas cards for 10 families, with a little bit of money, so there will be food on their table for Christmas. I put up a small Christmas tree and decorated it with the decorations the children made. The children are in awe of the beautiful little tree! They all had a peek at all the 'full' Christmas stockings under the tree, each one desparetly looked for one with their name on it and when it was spotted there was a smile from ear to ear along with a little squeal! Everyday, I am asked by some of the little ones "Mama Linda, is it Christmas yet?" It really is hard to hold back the tears sometimes! "Soon, very soon"!! I hope, I have inspired some of you, like I have been inspired, to show some kind of 'ChristmasKindness' this year! Like Mother Teresa said "We can't all do Great things but we can do small things with Great Love!