Monday, January 14, 2008

My Little Philanthropist

Belly full of a delicious dinner, Wyatt turned to me and said, "Mom do you know how much it costs for a kid to go to school in Africa?"

"I don't know honey, but I'm pretty sure that it costs a lot less than here," I say.

"Well, I want to give my money to Africa."

Oh, the sweetness of those words.

I told him to look through the basket of Christmas cards and find the one from the Open Arms Home for Children in South Africa.

I told him that although we wish we could give more, this was the only international organization that we were donating to.

He wanted to know exactly how much we gave to these kids. I told him the amount and said that was all we could afford. I pointed out that this donation, along with all the donations we give regularly to local charities, was one that I felt strongly about.

He said, "That's not enough, we need to do more."

And my heart melted.

I guess this makes up for all that fighting yesterday.

18 comments:

Girlplustwo said...

oh, wow. honey, if you want to email me the amount he wants to donate, i'll match it. you know how much i value OA and the work they do. then you can tell him we sent in double, he and an auntie from his mommy's village.

and oh, wow. be still the heart.

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

That is so sweet. I would have melted too.

Family Adventure said...

That's wonderful. You must be doing an awesome job fostering awareness of the rest of the world in your children. I would be so proud!

Heidi

Unknown said...

He's a rockstar. Maybe he could organize something at school on in your neighborhood?

LindaJ said...

He is just the sweetest thing ever...I will add to the donation.I ditto jenny, what ever he has i will match it...Even if he wants to save for a year.

Unknown said...

That's totally sweet...looks like someone might have a good cause to host lemonade stands for this summer!

Anonymous said...

What a good boy....Count me in with Linda and Jenny. We will match what he has to donate as well!

Carrie said...

What a wonderful kid you've raised. Your blog made me tear up today.

Aleka's World said...

Aw, kids are awesome!

painted maypole said...

wow. not only does the philanthropy part warm my heart, but his recognition of how important it is that those children have access to education. lovely.

and speaking of lovely, my mail today was just lovely. thanks! :)

Ann(ie) said...

ditto Jen, Linda, Tracy. What a sweet boy you have!!

alice c said...

You should be so proud of yourself that he is aware of the issues and cares about them.

PinksandBluesGirls said...

What a sweet boy. You are doing good raising those kiddies, mama!

Jane, Pinks & Blues

Left Coast Sister said...

How have you raised such grateful, outward-looking kids? Seriously. Do you know how many American kids are whining about being bored right now (as their Christmas presents sit in the corner) instead of spending their time thinking of others? That's amazing.

Becky at lifeoutoffocus said...

that melts my heart too

Stacy said...

what a sweetie!

PrincessPolly said...

that's just lovely. i feel a slight cracking in my wall of cynicism!

Anonymous said...

I am so very proud of you. You are a very special 8 year old.